The Statement of environmental effects report is the most important report that accompanies a development application. It is the report that links all the other aspects about the development. Despite how important the report is to obtain approval, most people try to attempt the document themselves and in doing so only scratch the surface of what is required for the report. Below is a guide to what a statement of environmental effects is, and what must be included.

Guide to a statement of environmental effects

A Statement of Environmental Effects (SEE) is required for all development applications and is required under the Schedule 1 of Environmental Planning and Assessment Regulations 2000.

The statement of environmental effects is the backbone of the development application and provides a justification for the development.

The statement of environmental effects needs to address the following:

• The likely environmental impacts of the development;
• How the environmental impacts of the development have been identified; and
• The steps that will be taken to protect the environment or to lessen the expected harm to the environment

It should be noted that the term “environment” does not only refer to the natural environment but to the natural, built, and social environment.

• The provisions of any environmental planning instrument (State Environmental Planning Policies (SEPPs), and Local Environmental Plans(LEPs);
• The provisions of any draft environmental planning instrument (that is or has been placed on public exhibition;
• Any Development Control Plans (DCPs);
• The likely impacts of the development (including environmental impacts on both the natural and built environments, and social and economic impacts in thelocality);
• The suitability of the site for the development;
• Any submissions made; and
• The public interest

The statement of environmental effects MUST address all of these above and go into detail into each relevant clause and control within the documents. Where the development results in a non compliance to a LEP clause of a DCP control then it must be justified within the statement of environmental effects.

Please Note: Where the development results in a non compliance with a clause from the LEP then, in addition to the justification in the statement of environmental effects, a clause 4.6 Exception to development standards report must be submitted with the development application.